Benefits of Exercise on Mental Health
When you’ve got a hectic day, exercising may be one of the things that gets deleted from your list of things to do. However, even adding just 10 minutes of exercise to your day can actually give you what you need to conquer your demanding workload. Here are 5 benefits of exercise on mental health:
1. It reduces anxiety and depression. When we exercise, we increase the blood flow to our brains and this activates the part of our brain that deals with stress, known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Once triggered, the brain releases our “feel good” chemicals, called endorphins, which alleviates some of the anxiety and depression we were feeling prior to exercise.
2. It boosts mood. In addition to endorphins, the brain also releases dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for promoting feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation. With these sensations coursing through your body, you’ll feel ready to take on the challenges of your day.
3. It improves self-esteem. Think back to the last time you worked out. Were you able to lift that weight or go that distance? How did you feel after you finished? Being able to complete the physical challenges we give ourselves during exercise can not only strengthen our bodies, but also our minds, especially when it comes to how we feel about ourselves.
4. It improves cognitive function. Along with all the “feel good” chemicals your brain releases, exercise also causes it to release growth factors. Growth factors help create more pathways for blood flow to the brain and promote the health of brain cells. The more brain cells we have, the better our cognitive functions, such as memory and thinking skills.
5. It improves sleep. Your body temperature naturally rises during exercise and lowers once you’re finished, which enhances feelings of relaxation and sleepiness. Exercise will also aid in tiring you out, promoting better sleep quality as your body goes into muscle repair during deep sleep.
So next time you’re feeling a little down, anxious, or stressed out, head outside for a brisk walk or get some gym therapy in. It helps more than you may realize!